Jazz's Rudy Gobert returns Sunday after missing 2 games

ByABC News
April 23, 2017, 9:26 PM

— -- Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert?returned and started Sunday's Game 4 of the first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers?after missing two games with a knee injury that he suffered in the opening minute of Game 1.

Gobert, a contender for Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA honors, hyperextended his left knee and suffered a bone bruise in the first possession of the series.

Meanwhile, Jazz guard Gordon Hayward didn't return for the second half Sunday after being limited to nine minutes. The team said he is dealing with the affects of food poisoning.

Gobert's injury had forced Derrick Favors, who was limited all season due to a bone bruise in his left knee, into the starting center role. Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.8 rebounds and a league-high 2.6 blocks per game during the regular season.

The Clippers lead the series 2-1.

Information from ESPN's Tim MacMahon was used in this report.